Content

• Method 2 of 3: Getting Started
• Method 3 of 3: How to Catch a Wave
• Tips
• Warnings

1 For the first time, it is enough to rent a surfboard. If you haven't surfed before, you shouldn't invest in your own board. Most of the beaches suitable for surfing are equipped with rental points that offer fairly cheap hourly rentals or all day rentals.

• You will have the opportunity to choose between fiberglass surfboards and soft so called "foam". Soft surfboards are lightweight and are much cheaper than epoxy or fiberglass boards. Soft boards are very durable and floatable, making them a great option for beginners.
• The type of board should be chosen according to your height and weight. The more you weigh, the bigger your surfboard should be. You will only waste your time trying to learn how to surf on a board that is too small for you.
• If you're not sure which board is right for you, talk to the people at the surf shop.Be honest and tell them that you have never surfed and want to know what you need the first time.

2 While you are just learning, use a long board. Longboards are one of the oldest and longest board types available, ranging in size from 2.5 to 3.5 meters in length. And while they are not as maneuverable or versatile as the rest, long boards are the most recommended for beginners due to their ease of use.

• The larger the longboard, the easier it is to balance and paddle the waves. And this is the most enjoyable part of the class for the students.
• If you are tired of the longboard and want to try something more agile, try the fanboard. Fanboards are hybrids of boards that are slightly shorter than longboards, usually 2 to 2.5 meters in length. Fanboards combine the smoothness and stability of longboards with the agility of shortboards.

3 Find your approach to shortboards. Shortboards are less than 2 meters long and have a pointed nose and multiple ribs. It takes more effort to learn how to ride shortboards, unlike other boards, but they are recognized as definitely the best option for the pros (although some professional surfers use longboards).

• Fishboards are shorter even than shortboards, and much wider. The flatness of fishboards and their small profile make them ideal for riding in low waves. A great option for mid-range and professional surfers.
• Alternatively, you can also choose a more advanced surfboard - gan. They are thin boards with very narrow noses, designed for the experts who conquer the biggest waves. The Gun can pick up speed and roll around steep waves with ease, but is difficult to control as a beginner.

4 Buy a wetsuit. In most cases, for successful surfing, the wetsuit is just as important as the board itself. A wetsuit retains body heat in cold water, helping to prevent chills and hypothermia. If a surf shop has recommended a wetsuit for you, grab or buy one before you're ready to start.

5 Buy surf wax. Surf wax is an important and inexpensive part to be among your attributes, rubbing over the surface of the board to improve grip and balance in the water. Ask the surf shop what type of wax is right for their water temperature.

6 Take a leash (leash) for the board. Leash will keep you from drifting far away from the surfboard. If you slip off, you probably won't want to find yourself in the abyss of waves without a board. You also hate having your board blown away by other surfers or crashing against rocks. With a leash, you can be calm, it will firmly connect you to the surfboard, and it is attached to the tail of the board.

Method 2 of 3: Getting Started

1. 1 Practice on the ground first. Attach the leash to the back leg and tail of the board, and then lie on your stomach so that your body is right in the middle of the board. In this position, row with your hands until you feel which muscles are involved in this movement.
   • You should not jump into the water right away in the first lesson, otherwise you will simply be disappointed soon. Practice a little on the sand or alone in your backyard before you find yourself on the beach in front of others.
2. 2 Practice lifting. “Taking off” (or “jumping out”) into a wave and getting on the board takes a little more practice. While lying on the board, free your hands from rowing and place them at your chest level, with the back to the board, with your fingers pointing towards the sides of the surfboard.
   • In one quick motion, push your body with your hands and place one leg where the arm was and the other shoulder-width apart behind.
   • Considering that you are a beginner, you will find it easier to first kneel and then take one leg back, and thus try to get up.This process will take longer than jumping right in, but it is more effective for those who are not yet ready to get up on the board this way.
   • Never wrap your arms around the sides of the board unless you want to break your chin when your hands slip off the edges.
   • If you feel that your hands or feet are slipping a lot when you try to stand on the board, you should apply more wax to it.
   • You can also practice getting on the board without the board, just do it wherever there is little room and where you are comfortable.
3. 3 Learn to stand correctly on the board. Once you're up, keep your knees bent, arms free and wide apart, feet in the middle of the board, and lean forward slightly to lower your center of gravity.
   • Depending on which foot you unconsciously put forward, you will be either right-handed or left-handed. You are left-handed if your left foot is in front, or right-handed if your right foot is leading.
   • Beginners tend to take a squat position while learning. Their legs are spread wide on the board, from nose to tail. They are more comfortable this way, but in fact, it is more difficult to control the board. The balance needs to be maintained between the beads, not from nose to tail. You will notice that professional surfers bring their legs as close to each other as possible.
   • Correct posture also implies that your eyes are facing in the direction of movement.
4. 4 Feel comfortable in the water. The only way to find a middle ground on the board is to dive into the water and paddle. While swimming, the nose of the board should be just above the surface of the water. A good position is one where the toes touch the lichen.
   • If the nose is too high, then you are further from the middle than necessary. If it is submerged, it is too close. You will find the sweet spot when you get the most out of your rowing performance.
   • Row in long, deep strokes as far as you can get back.
5. 5 Talk to more experienced surfers or instructors if possible. The best way to practice and prepare for beach conquest is with another person who knows more about surfing and can tell you what to do and how.
   • If you have surfer friends, ask them for help. Friends usually do not refuse, and you can practice at home instead of on the beach in front of others.
   • Use the services of an instructor. This is the surest way to learn the basics of surfing in a clear methodological way. For a fee, he will teach you everything you need to know and give you instructions to help you learn to surf quickly and start having fun.
6. 6 Find a suitable place. Before you go surfing, visit a couple of good surfing beaches and swim a bit to make sure you are comfortable in the water. Never surf where you are not even comfortable swimming.
   • Ask for advice. Ask a surf shop or professional surfers for the best beginner's practice. They will be happy to point you to the appropriate location.
   • Find information on the internet. If you cannot count on reliable advice, check the internet for what places are recommended on the internet. You can also find groups of local people discussing boards who also own the information.
   • Practice carefully. If there is a lifeguard tower on the beach, try to exercise during its opening hours. Take the time to ask other surfers if they can give you advice or warnings.
7. 7 Learn the basic rules of conduct before you start practicing. Knowing the basic rules of surfing will ensure that your first activity is enjoyable and safe. Here are some basic safety guidelines you need to remember:
   • Respect the preemptive right to traffic.If several surfers are trying to catch a wave, the person closest to the crest of the wave takes precedence over that wave.
   • Don't fall for others. Moving towards the wave or diving under the wave, on which someone is already riding - is considered a potentially rude and dangerous action. Remember to scan the entire wave line for other surfers before you try to climb it.
   • Popular and newbie surfing spots are not usually weighed down by these rules, and a lot of people try to climb the same wave (the so-called group wave). If two people are going to climb the same wave, the one who gets to it first has priority.

Method 3 of 3: How to Catch a Wave

1. 1 Determine the target point. You should be waist-deep in light water, where the waves have already refracted. This is the best place to study if you are a beginner. Don't try to paddle too fast or swim as far as possible where more experienced surfers are doing, but make sure you are deep enough not to injure your head if you fall into the water.
   • Select an anchor point. Choose a landmark on the shore and glance at it from time to time as you swim deeper into the water. This will help you determine your distance from the shore, and will help keep track of anyone moving in your direction.
2. 2 Paddle in place. When you are ready to dive under the wave, do not fly into it until you are sure that your body and chest are in the correct position relative to the board, then lie down correctly and row towards the waves.
   • Paddle straight if you get carried away. If you hit a wave at a sliding angle, you may lose your sense of movement until you have time to orient yourself. Stand perpendicular to the incoming waves and try to "cut" them.
   • When you cut a wave, it helps you coordinate with your upper body so that you can walk under or over the wave. This will prevent the wave from pushing you straight to the shore.
3. 3 Prepare the board and wait for the coming wave. Sit on the board until the nose of the board is above the water. Twist your legs like a mixer head so you can unfold it. Get in the middle and get ready to paddle into the wave in long, smooth, deep jerks.
   • When you see a wave approaching, take a position closer to the wave so that it does not overturn you. When you are sure that you are in a good place to catch the wave - row like the last time and take everything from it.
4. 4 Start paddling and try to catch the wave. When you feel that you are picking up speed and you have the feeling that you are about to catch a wave, forget everything that you have been taught.
   • Keep watching as you row. If you look around, you will lose control.
   • Pick up speed. You need to catch the wave before it disappears, and at the same time so that you have time to get up on the board. Usually beginners start catching waves near the shore (which is fun to start with).
   • Be patient. If you miss a wave, just paddle back and wait for the next opportunity.
5. 5 Riding the waves. Keep your feet on the board, knees together, arms free, and facing the direction of travel. You have caught your first wave. Stay focused and let the wave carry you towards the shore. Also, keep an eye on those surfing near you.
   • It's easy to get started. First of all, you should conquer every wave that moves towards you. This is the shortest and fastest way, as opposed to choosing waves, and is the easiest way to get the necessary skills.
6. 6 Continue moving towards the waves when ready. Once you get used to the feeling of rolling, you will probably want to try crossing the wave on the board. Let it move with your body while maintaining your center of gravity.Use your body to guide the board towards the oncoming wave. This will create friction / resistance, which will help the board unfold. When you catch the wave correctly, keep your balance and wait until you can get close to the edge of the wave.
   • Select in advance the direction in which you want to ride the waves (right or left). If the wave is small enough, paddle towards it until it crashes on the shore. With big waves - wait for the opportunity to climb on it.
7. 7 Prepare for failure. If you feel like you are about to fall or a wave will hit you, jump off the board straight into the ocean and wait for the right moment. It is a good idea to jump off the side of the board while covering your head with your hands. Follow the current, letting the wave carry you. Swim carefully and watch what is ahead of you so as not to collide with the board.
   • Try to reach the bottom so as not to injure yourself in shallow water or in reefs.
   • Once you have safely surfaced, pull on the leash and climb back onto the board to prevent it from spinning or being carried further through the water, which can cause great damage to both you and others. Climb onto the board, lie on your stomach, and again try to take control.
   • Most serious injuries happen when the board hits the surfer. Remember to jump towards the ocean, not the shore. You don't want to be between the shore and the board when the wave throws it in your direction.
   • If this is your first time riding, it will be great to rent a foam board as opposed to fiberglass, as they are softer and less likely to hurt yourself while training.
8. 8 Use the channels to get out of the waves. After you have fallen or rolled over, you will need to get out of the wave so as not to interfere with others to ride. Don't paddle in the middle of the wave, which is where most surfers head. Swim out first to free the wave.
9. 9 Keep trying. You will most likely fail and fall at first, but don't give up. For some it will only take one day, while for others it takes several weeks to figure out what's what. Keep trying and you will surely succeed.
   • Avoid stopping and falling to your knees. If you're going to finish, finish and get up. Keep your legs as if you were standing on a horse, rather than saddling it.
   • Enjoy the ocean and have fun.

Tips

• If you fall, practice holding your breath underwater for a long time, certain waves can hold you in the grip longer than others. Watch out for waves that may cover you after a fall.
• Always follow the safety tips of more experienced surfers.
• Don't get it into your head that you are a failure because you are not. You are just new to surfing, that's all.
• Treat the local population with respect. Follow the rules and be friendly.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Many advanced surfers will be happy to help newbies as long as they are courteous.
• Learning to feel the board will help you identify an approaching wave.
• Observe those around you. Watch out for other surfers and sea animals.
• If you have never skated at all, it is better to use the services of an instructor.
• Keep calm. Falling off the board can, of course, be dangerous, but if your head is above the surface of the water, there is nothing to be afraid of. Think clearly and make informed decisions to minimize risk.
• Usually, if you are just starting out, you have little strength, so it is good when there is a person nearby who will push you and help you catch the wave. Make sure you have a good stretch before going into the water.
• Squats and push-ups are a good way to get ready for surfing. Most surfing activities generally depend on the musculature, which develops well with these exercises.
• If you realize that a wave is spinning you, try to swim along or near the shore. Running on the sand, for example, is a good opportunity to train your heart and warm up your muscles.
• Always swim with a buddy. It's safer, and if you fall, you can count on help if needed. A friend can also help nudge you into the wave!

Warnings

• If you are caught in a whirlpool, swim parallel to the shore until you emerge from it, or you can not cross it. If you cannot swim in parallel, keep swimming and pushing in place and call for help.
• Avoid cycling. They look like sand on the surface of the water, with a brown or reddish tint. They usually form near rocks, reefs and marinas.
• Start training in a beginner's area, away from experienced surfers.
• Stay close to the beach. This is handy for beginners until they learn how to handle small waves.
• Don't surf alone, especially if you're a beginner. Even a friend on the beach is safer than walking alone.